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Automotive service writer vs customer service desk

The differences between automotive service writers and customer service desks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an automotive service writer and a customer service desk. Additionally, an automotive service writer has an average salary of $46,879, which is higher than the $34,599 average annual salary of a customer service desk.

The top three skills for an automotive service writer include repair orders, service appointments and phone calls. The most important skills for a customer service desk are service desk, customer service, and strong customer service.

Automotive service writer vs customer service desk overview

Automotive Service WriterCustomer Service Desk
Yearly salary$46,879$34,599
Hourly rate$22.54$16.63
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs148,068233,256
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does an automotive service writer do?

Automotive Service Writers act as a contact person between the customer and an automotive company. This person does estimations for clients and also help in drafting contracts. An Automotive Service Writer handles written orders for repairs. They receive and record request from clients and store it in a safe place. They are an essential part of the marketing department as it focuses on customer retention through constant, casual communication.

What does a customer service desk do?

The responsibilities of working in a customer service desk primarily revolves around ensuring customer satisfaction by responding to their inquiries and concerns. There are instances when it is required to provide directions, locate products, make reservations, and resolve various issues. There may also be administrative tasks such as handling and making calls, assisting customers in filling out forms, preparing paperwork and reports, arranging records, and coordinating with various staff members to ensure that a customer receives quality service.

Automotive service writer vs customer service desk salary

Automotive service writers and customer service desks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Automotive Service WriterCustomer Service Desk
Average salary$46,879$34,599
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $72,000Between $25,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYAtwater, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkAlaska
Best paying companyState StreetSAIC
Best paying industryAutomotiveManufacturing

Differences between automotive service writer and customer service desk education

There are a few differences between an automotive service writer and a customer service desk in terms of educational background:

Automotive Service WriterCustomer Service Desk
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Automotive service writer vs customer service desk demographics

Here are the differences between automotive service writers' and customer service desks' demographics:

Automotive Service WriterCustomer Service Desk
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 77.4% Female, 22.6%Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 5.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 6.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between automotive service writer and customer service desk duties and responsibilities

Automotive service writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the refurbishment of used vehicles, writing repair orders.
  • Recommend required service and repairs, educate customers on basic maintenance requirements for their Toyota product.
  • Provide excellent customer service to assist customers troubleshoot IOS devices for hardware and software issues.

Customer service desk example responsibilities.

  • Manage cash balances and inventory stock accurately; ensure cleanliness of all work stations and guarantee excellent customer service.
  • Operate a POS system to itemize and complete customer front-end register transactions.
  • Ask to follow closing procedures of facility and close out POS system.
  • Organize activities such as science and math club, sports, art, and cooking.
  • Create a RMA for faulty parts and dispatch technician to the site to replace the part or troubleshoot the issue.
  • Process customer transactions and troubleshoot register issues.
  • Show more

Automotive service writer vs customer service desk skills

Common automotive service writer skills
  • Repair Orders, 11%
  • Service Appointments, 10%
  • Phone Calls, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • ADP, 5%
  • Automotive Services, 4%
Common customer service desk skills
  • Service Desk, 20%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Strong Customer Service, 15%
  • Front Desk, 7%
  • Windows, 4%
  • Sales Floor, 4%

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